Two very large landscaping and irrigation projects totaled nearly 14 miles of new landscape, irrigation controllers and valves, as part of the newly constructed portion of I-210 to the San Bernardino County line.

Robert Lujan, transportation engineer with District 7’s Construction Division, was awarded the Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award in December 2009, a merit award from the Department of Personnel Administration and the Caltrans Employee Recognition Program for performance over a two-year period, resulting in exceptional contributions to improving state government.

Lujan was recognized for his outstanding work on two $2 million landscaping and irrigation projects on the Foothill Freeway (I-210) and including several on-and off-ramps in the cities of La Verne and Claremont from Foothill Boulevard to the San Bernardino County line. Combined, these two projects totaled nearly 14 miles of new landscape, and irrigation controllers and valves as part of the newly constructed portion of I-210.

“Bob has done excellent contract administration work on these large landscaping projects,” said his supervisor, Carny Ho, senior transportation engineer, construction. “During the progress of the projects, he was always mindful and very involved with local resident input and community concerns ---- always taking care of issues in a timely matter and in accordance with the contract specifications, along with extreme measures to comply with the Caltrans Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).”

According to Ho, due to Lujan’s efforts, these projects received a high score for the SWPPP program criteria that resulted in recognition for efficiency within this construction unit. Throughout the landscape and irrigation project, Lujan responded and mitigated concerns and issues from several municipal water districts, residents, and communities within the project limits to ensure aesthetic continuity within the corridor.

Lujan has 31 years of state service, 25 of which have been in the Construction Division. In the past nine years as an assistant resident engineer, he has worked on projects involving soundwall construction, metal beam guard rail, concrete pavement, drainage, and landscaping.

“Bob works very hard and diligently and has my respect as a top performer,” said Ho. “While traveling on Route 210 between the cities of Claremont and La Verne, you will definitely see the beautiful landscaping along the both sides of the freeway. I hope you will smile and think of Bob.”